Oh, Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pie with whipped cream, family gathered around, the beginning of the holiday season, Black Friday shopping, flaming turkeys… Well, we hope that you have all those except the flaming turkeys! Every year around this time a video from the Underwriters Laboratories emerges showing how not to use a turkey fryer. Needless to say every year people across the country try out the fryer and don’t follow those instructions. Not following proper precautions when using a turkey fryer can lead to serious injury and damage to homes. If you decide that frying is the way to go please remember the following rules:
-Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dried
-Put the turkey in slowly, so the oil stays in the fryer pot
-Your turkey fryer should be on a level surface, outside, away from buildings and wooden decks
-Use only the amount of oil recommended for your fryer
-Keep little ones inside, away from the fryer
-Stay with the fryer at all times
Following these rules will help reduce the chance of injury and damage but it’s still important to be careful! I myself will be enjoying a (non-fried) Tofurkey on Thursday, but however you choose to spend your holidays, please have a safe and fun Thanksgiving!
Elena Sabin is the Community Disaster Education Specialist for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.